From RMC patient to volunteer

Bill Brown's experience in outpatient surgery at Riverside Medical Center resulted in a new volunteer for the hospital.

August 22, 2012

Bill Brown’s experience in outpatient surgery at Riverside Medical Center resulted in a new volunteer for the hospital.

The 74-year-old Waupaca man said the nurses and staff made such an impression on him that “I figured I wanted to be around these nice people some more.”

Brown has spent the last year giving of his time, and it has not gone unnoticed at the hospital.

Staff who pass Andrea Crane in the hallway at RMC often stop her to tell her how helpful and cheerful he is.

“I wasn’t requesting feedback, but they would just stop me in the hallway or cafeteria and mention how much they appreciated his willingness to help whatever situation,” said Crane, volunteer coordinator at RMC.

During a shift at the hospital, Brown does a variety of tasks like greeting people at the door, escorting wheelchair-bound patients and directing people around the hospital.

“He has a very nice way with patients and visitors,” said Crane, noting that staff “have mentioned numerous times how much they appreciate the effort that he puts forth.”

He can also be found in outpatient surgery when the department needs an extra set of hands to move patients around or escort family members to their loved ones.

Crane said the extra help is welcome.

“On busy days, that saves a lot of time for the nursing staff,” she said. “Also, they might ask him to run errands for them, like take family members to the cafeteria and other various things that happen to come up.”

He is happy to be of service wherever he is needed in the hospital.

“I enjoy being part of that team a lot,” Brown said. “I’ve met some interesting people.”

He also willing to fill in an open shift or come in when needed at the last minute.

“It feels good to do it,” he said. “I really think that a lot of people who donate their time or give of themselves do it because it feels good. They’re getting something.”

The hospital is getting something too, said Crane, noting that Brown, and RMC’s many other volunteers, are dedicated to the needs of the patients, the families and helping to support the staff through a variety of volunteer roles.

And having Brown willing to step in for open shifts is beneficial to staff, Crane said.

“He just started this year but has so many of the hospital staff feeling confident about calling our volunteers,” she said,.”

His dedication has also opened up the door for others to consider volunteering, Crane said.

“Other people have noticed the position, and I have been able to recruit more volunteers, too,” she said. “It’s just a win-win.”